Indian Cricket Legend Slams Tilak Varma for Poor Shot, Questions His Place in Playing XI

Following India’s heavy defeat to South Africa in the Super-8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026, top-order batsman Tilak Varma has come under intense criticism from cricket experts.

Varma Struggles in World Cup
Tilak Varma, who had been sidelined with an injury before the World Cup and underwent surgery, had played a key role for India in the Asia Cup. However, in the T20 World Cup, he has struggled, scoring just 107 runs in 5 matches at a strike rate of 118.88. In the crucial match against South Africa in Ahmedabad, Varma played a poor shot at a critical moment, resulting in his dismissal — a move that drew sharp criticism from former Indian captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth.

Srikkanth’s Verdict on Varma
On his YouTube channel, Srikkanth commented: “If Sanju Samson is included in the playing XI, there is no place for Tilak Varma. Many are questioning his spot. There’s a strong possibility that after the shot he played today, he may be dropped from the XI. It was a terrible shot, and he didn’t deserve to stay on the crease after playing it.”

Srikkanth, who captained India and played 43 Tests and 146 ODIs between 1981 and 1992, scored 2,062 Test runs and 4,091 ODI runs in his career. His critique carries weight among cricket fans and experts alike.

India’s Tough Road Ahead
South Africa had handed India a 76-run defeat in the Super-8 stage, setting a target of 188, which India managed to chase only up to 111 before being bowled out. Coupled with West Indies’ 107-run win over Zimbabwe, India’s path to the semifinals has become increasingly challenging.